From Oz to Disney through 42nd Street!

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and student directors for the winter musical production of "The Wizard of Oz!"  We had a near-sell-out crowd on Friday night, and were about 85% full on Saturday.  We haven't seen those sorts of audiences since the standing-room-only days of "High School Musical" back in 2007.  The shows got better each night, and the audience was enthusiastic and full of compliments for all.  Bravo!

Now, we turn our attention to the upcoming combined choral concert on March 4, with the Disney theme that will prepare us for the April trip to Orlando.  Final tallies from fundraising efforts will be calculated this week, and the account balances will be communicated via e-mail to parents as well as posting on the bulletin board in the Choir Room.

The Betsy Ann Easter fundraiser will be the last that counts toward the Disney trip, and it will run from February 10-28, with all orders and payments due on the 28th.  Final payments for the trip for those doing the sale will be due within the next week.

Rooming lists are posted in the front of the choir room.  Monday the upperclassmen may sign up (juniors and seniors) and Tuesday sophomores and freshmen may sign up.  Any changes must be made by the end of the day Wednesday, when this list will be typed up and sent to Artistic Ambassadors for processing.

The "Drama Mamas and Papas" had a meeting this weekend to organize efforts for the spring musical that takes place the first 2 weekends of April.  Music and dance rehearsals will begin this week after school in addition to the acting/staging/blocking rehearsals that have already been taking place on stage.

Congratulations to Matt Plazek and Sarah Knobeloch on their participation in PMEA District 1 Chorus last month at Shaler, and their successful audition to advance to Region I Chorus at Blackhawk next week.  At the region festival, auditions are held to advance to All-State Chorus.

Cabaret Night is coming up on March 7.  Auditions will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 9:00-11:00AM in the Choir Room.  Choral Parents will have their next meeting on Wednesday, February 5 to discuss planning and details for this event.  We've had a lot of success the past 2 years showcasing our singers in a different setting than a regular choral concert.  I hope to have a full line-up of performances to share.

As usual, we've got a lot going on for the spring.  There is so much talent at North Hills, and it's a privilege to be a part of this program and watch everyone blossom as skills develop.  Stay warm!  Spring will be here soon enough!!!